After a week and a half, over 20 phonecalls to Ikea and being on hold for probably more than 3 hours put together and clarifying things that were said, I finally have my headboard. What I had expected to be a simple exchange, turned into a nightmare! Is it really that hard to bring me a new headboard and pick up the busted one?! Apparently so...

It took 7 days for them to return my call and make the necessary arrangements. Then on the night they said they would come, they never did. I waited all night. I called the next day and asked what had happened. They said they couldn't find the right parts. As if! They had said they had plenty of stock before. What happened overnight!? Did everyone all of a sudden purchased the same bedframe as me and then had their headboard busted too?!?!?! The least they could have done was call me and said something so I wouldn't have waited all night! The girl was apologetic... I was not pleased but reluctantly, forgave. My dad had told me to ask for the manager the next time they screw up again. So once again tonight, I waited and waited... 6:00...8:00... 9:00..9:40... I couldn't stand it... I called them. After 5mins on hold, this was the conversation.

Ikea girl: "Hi, customer service, how may I help you?"
Me: "Hi, someone was suppose to come and make an exchange tonight. It's almost 10pm. I'm just wondering when or if anyone is coming."
Ikea girl: "Oh, what's your name?"
Me: "For the 20th time (no, i didn't say that). It's *******."
Ikea girl: "Ok, let me put you on hold for a second."
5 minutes later.
Ikea woman: "Hi, thank you for holding. It looks like we're out of stock. And it's going to take a few days before we could bring it to you."
Me: "WHAT?! What do you mean you're out of stock. A girl just told me two days ago that you would have stock by today and that someone would deliver it before 10pm tonite! I've already waited for over a week."
Ikea woman: "What? Wait, are you the woman who purchased the Espresso machine?"
Me: "Huh?! No! I think you picked up the wrong line." (I didnt' know Ikea had espresso machines!?)
Ikea woman: "Oh sorry. Let me put you on hold again."

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

By this point I was really pissed. I've been without a bed for over a week, talking to voice-recorders and playing phone tag with people who didnt' seem very competent. It's not a huge item to exchange. What kind of service is this? They keep messing orders up and delaying and delaying. I was so ready to scream at the woman or girl or the next person who picks up the phone and ask for the manager and just really give it to them. But I couldn't do it. As much satisfaction as it might give some people, it's not in me to do something like that. I'm not confrontational and I don't like yelling at people. Even if they are the ones who are screwing up. Everyone makes mistakes. Miscommunication happens all the time. Plus, I'm very upset at the moment and who knows what may come out of my mouth. What if I say something mean or regretting. When we are riled up, we often say and do things that we don't really mean to. It ends up hurting the person on the other end or makes matters worse. It is written that "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Much to the frustration of my older sister, over the years, I have learned to hold my tongue. I was quite the one to talk back as a child. Arguing till the cows came home. Always wanting the last words, no matter how illogical or rude or mean those last words may be. But it never did anyone any good. Often times it put me in a worser position or punishment afterwards. And always, I regretted what I said, especially since I knew how hurtful it had made the receipient of my cruelty.

So when the Ikea girl came back on. I held my tongue. I continued to be patient and understanding.

Ikea girl: "Miss, I'm really sorry for the misunderstanding. I just called the delivery guys and they actually couldn't find your place. The address we have down for you doesn't say if you're NE or SE. So they're all the way up in the north end, at their next delievery. They had to skip you. But I told them and they'll be there within 10mins. Once again, we're sorry for all the miscommunications."
Me: "That's ok. It can happen to anyone. I'm just glad they're finally coming."
Ikea girl: "Is there anything else I can help you with tonight?"
Me: "No, thank you. Have a good night. Bye."

I didn't get upset. I didn't say how ridiculous that sounded since they delivered it correctly the first time so my address should be correct in their system. I didn't say, "I'm never shopping at Ikea again. You guys have terrible service!!". I'm pretty sure, they get yelled at everyday by other people. I'm probably the last bit of business tonight. It's better to end it nicely.

Thank you Holy Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."

So... one last piece of furniture to put together... a big piece of furniture... sigh... so tired... I'm going to do it tomorrow... one more night on the futon can't hurt. I'm actually starting to get use to it... great....